DUBAI in 96 Hours
Since discovering enormous rich oil reserves in 1966, Dubai has become a wealthy and thriving economy. Dubai tourism exploded like nothing the world has ever seen. Located in the Arabian Desert on the coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is a city of superlatives. Huge malls, towering skyscrapers, kilometers of sandy beaches and year-round sunshine have defined it as a top destination on the world scale. Dubai is well known worldwide for its conferences, trade exhibitions, and festivals.
Visitor Information
Getting around in Dubai:
USA and Canadian citizens: NO advance Visa required. Simply disembark from your flight at Dubai Int’l Airport and proceed to Immigration, where your passport will be stamped with a 30-day visa, free of charge.
The easiest way to get around is by taking the Dubai Metro.
Dubai is a taxi eccentric city, and at some point you're likely to find yourself in need of one. They are metered, air-conditioned, relatively inexpensive, fast and the most comfortable way to get around, except during rush-hour traffic. <Learn more>
Visiting Dubai during Ramadan - important information you need to know.
Ramadan 2024 — March 11 to April 10.
Eating, drinking and smoking in public is strictly limited to the hours between sunset and sunrise. All visitors during Ramadan are expected to observe this wherever they go, including public beaches and shopping malls.
Travel Adaptor: Type G.
Travel Guides: DK Eyewitness Dubai and Lonely Planet Dubai.
Where most visitors stay:
Downtown Dubai - contains most of Dubai’s famous attractions. (Dubai Mall and Fountain, Burj Khalifa)
Dubai Marina - is a man-made marina which accommodates a bustling enclave of tourist activity. You will find plenty of trendy and upscale restaurants, strategically located to offer an amazing view of Dubai’s skyscrapers across the water.
Jumeirah Beach <video> - if a beach holiday with plenty of activities, clean beaches, and the option of some vibrant night life is what you’re looking for, Jumeirah Beach is a prime option. Most of the resorts dotting the coastline have private beaches. There is a variety of water sports available, including waterskiing and windsurfing, as well as a unforgettable giant water park (Wild Wadi Waterpark) in the vicinity.
Palm Jumeirah <video> - One of the world’s most famous man-made islands, the Palm Jumeirah bears the iconic shape of a palm tree. Some of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels and beach resorts are located here.
Bur Dubai - This historic district of Dubai houses some of the city’s most precious old buildings, museums, and religious sites. These include the Dubai Museum, the colorful Iranian Mosque, and a heritage village that encloses the old homes of Sheikhs from the past.
Bur Dubai is a great shopping spot for handmade crafts, watch the boats go by, people watching & try out local eateries.
Visit Dubai !
Highlights:
Dubai BigBus experience - Great way to witness traditional Arabian charm and futuristic dynamism. Enjoy panoramic views of Dubai's dramatic skyline, sandy beaches and the world’s tallest building. Hop off to explore historical souks, forts and palaces, and dining and ambient nightlife.
Burj Khalifa - Step into a spacious elevator as you're whisked upward at a stomach-dropping speed of 32 feet (10 m) per second. Once you arrive at the 124th floor observation deck, marvel at a bird's-eye view of the city.
The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride - A captivating water, music and light spectacle in Downtown Dubai, The Dubai Fountain is the world’s tallest performing fountain.
It is best to view during evening hours.
The Dubai Fountain is located toward the Dubai Mall side of the Burj Khalifa Lake.
The Dubai Mall is the ultimate family entertainment destination with The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink, and a massive indoor cinema complex.
Dubai Boat Tour - get up close to Dubai Eye (the tallest Ferris wheel in the world), Palm Jumeirah, The Burj Al Arab Hotel and The Atlantis. Departs from Dubai marina.
Make sure to capture a photograph of yourself in front of one of the world's most famous hotels, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
The easiest way to access the hotel is by joining a guided tour.
Museum of the Future - is an new exhibition for innovative and futuristic ideologies.
Red Dunes & Camel Safari - a thrilling dune adventure with an learning look at Bedouin culture and camel safari. Practice dune-bashing in a powerful 4x4 Land Cruiser, and then feast on a sumptuous Emirati meal while spectating at a tantalizing belly dance and fire show.
Visit the city of Sharjah - home to acclaimed art galleries and buzzy waterfront areas. The city shares its heritage through over twenty (20) museums and galleries and culture-packed leisure activities. Sharjah is a prime tourism destination with a variety of casual dining restaurants and indescribable experiences that take its guests through a rich and vibrant history.
Sharjah is about 30-45 minutes from Dubai depending on traffic.
The Blue Souk (Central Souk) - dive into a maze of more than 600 shops at one of the largest souks in the UAE and discover a dazzling array of exotic handicrafts.
The Sharjah Art Museum, Heritage Museum and Archaeology Museum are a must see if time permits.
The Dubai Opera has an exciting schedule that’s jam-packed with theatrical productions and live music.
When visiting mosques or religious sites, be aware of strict dress codes, requiring both men and women to cover up bare shoulders, arms and legs, and women to wear headscarves.
Be advised: it’s disrespectful to take photos without receiving the proper consent, especially if you’re trying to take photos of women and children.
Here are some of the top airlines known for their excellent service to Dubai:
Emirates: Based in Dubai, Emirates is often considered one of the best airlines in the world, known for its luxurious service, modern fleet, and extensive network. It offers numerous direct flights to Dubai from various global destinations.
Etihad Airways: Though based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad provides high-quality service and comfort, and it has convenient connections to Dubai via a short road transfer or local flight.
Qatar Airways: While Qatar Airways is based in Doha, it offers exceptional service and a highly rated in-flight experience. Connecting flights to Dubai are frequent and convenient.
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1. What is it like during Ramadan (Islamic Sacred Month) in Dubai?
Dubai observes the month of Ramadan (or the month of fasting) for Muslims. During this month, all restaurants are closed during the day.
< For the year 2026; the date is February 17 - March 19; For the year 2027; February 7 - March 8. >
Most restaurants only REOPEN DURING SUNSET when Muslims break their fast. During this month, eating, smoking, and drinking in the open are prohibited. If this presents an issue for you, don’t schedule your visit to Dubai during the month of fasting.
For visitors visiting Dubai during Ramadan, <Learn More>
2. What does a tourist need to know about eating in Ramadan?
Eating, drinking (including water), smoking and listening to music are NOT allowed in public during the daylight hours between sunrise and sunset. HOWEVER, a number of dining spots remain open and discreetly serve food to non-Muslims, particularly in shopping malls and hotels, as well as a handful of independent eateries. These venues are curtained off and obstructed from public view.
3. Are you allowed to drink alcohol in Dubai?
You can order alcohol from bars and clubs that have proper licenses. These establishments are usually international hotels or licensed restaurants.
Drinking and driving are STRICTLY illegal in Dubai. Among the penalties for this act include spending time in jail (UP TO 1 YEAR) and getting a heavy fine. Don’t drink just anywhere as it’s illegal to drink in public, and you will get jail time if you break this law. Keep in mind that your BLOOD ALCOHOL content should be ZERO while driving in Dubai.
4. Is there a dress code in Dubai?
Common sense is to dress appropriately. Dubai is a modest country. While you don’t have to adhere to dress standards yourself, it is worth adopting a more modest wardrobe during your stay in Dubai, particularly when visiting shopping malls and government offices. That means shoulders and knees must be covered for men and women, and no tight-fitting or transparent clothing. You can wear bikinis and other swimwear on the beach, but topless sunbathing is strictly forbidden for women, and everyone must cover up before they leave the beach.
5. Are there laws about Public Displays of Affection?
You may have heard stories of visitors to Dubai being locked up for amorous displays of affection. The easiest way to AVOID ANY DRAMA is to, quite simply, keep your hands to yourself. Kissing and holding hands in public is deemed “inappropriate behavior,” so keep it clean while you’re out and about. On that note, sex outside of marriage is illegal here, so exercise caution if traveling with an unmarried and/or same-sex partner.
6. Avoid inappropriate language or gestures!
Swearing in public is completely prohibited in the UAE, with the use of the F-word being a crime, as it “disgraces the honor of a person. Swearing is punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine.
7. What about taking photography of the people?
This is a very serious offence that has caught many people in the past. The UAE is very strict about preserving the privacy of individuals and taking a picture of someone without their knowledge or consent is taken very seriously.
Search for your hotel
Average cost:
(EXCLUDING AIRFARE)
$$$ USD for two (2) people
Budget: $900
Moderate: $1200
Luxury: $1,800 +
Climate Guide:
During December through March you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant temperatures that fall between 20° Celsius (68°F) and 26° Celsius (79°F).
Dubai receives 6 inches of rain per year. There is no rainy season.
The warmest months are June through September with temps over 100°F (36°C). Avoid if possible.
The coolest months are January and February.
Dubai Gallery
Source: wikipedi.org
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